title: [Factors associated with early weaning in a Spanish region].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Breastfeeding has undoubtedly great benefits. Previous studies have foundan early dropout. Only a few studies have investigated related factors. Our aim was to find out on-going breastfeeding rates along the first 12 months after birth and analyse factors associated with early weaning.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a prospective study including consecutive pairs (mother and newborn) till completion of the required sample. Variables were collected performing a structured program of surveys to the mothers. Bivariate and multivariate analysis of the data was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 452 pairs were recruited. It was found that 81% of them started breastfeeding, with a prevalence of breastfeeding of 39% and 21% at 3 and 6 months after birth, respectively. Factors associated with early discontinuation of breastfeeding were: pregnancy induced by assisted reproduction methods (OR=5.58; 95% CI: 2.62-11.91), maternal smoking (OR=1.56; 95% CI: 1.10-2.22), poor maternal expectations about the duration of breastfeeding (OR=2.19; 95% CI: 1.49-3.23), use of nipple shields for breastfeeding (OR=2.57; 95% CI: 1.69-3.90), pacifier use on a regular basis during the first month after delivery (OR=1.39; 95% CI: 1.02-1.91), maternal university educational level (OR=0,59; 95% CI: 0,40-0,88), attending birth preparation programs during pregnancy (OR=0,68; 95% CI: 0,49-0,94), and believing having enough milk output at the time of discharge (OR=0,66; 95% CI: 0,47-0,92).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  International recommendations about duration of breastfeeding are not achieved in our country because of high rates of early weaning. We describe the known factors involved and other novel factors. The implementation of interventions to increase breastfeeding rates and to prevent early weaning are strongly recommended.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Virgen de la Luz, Cuenca, España. Electronic address: riusjua@gmail.com.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Rius
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Virgen de la Vega, Murcia, España.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ortuño
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital General de Sagunto, Sagunto, España.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rivas
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital General de Valencia, Valencia, España.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maravall
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Vinalopó de Elche, Elche, España.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Calzado
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, España.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: López
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Neonatología, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, España.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aguar
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Neonatología, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, España.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vento
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008425:Maternal Behavior; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013030:Spain; D013997:Time Factors; D014886:Weaning
keywords: Abandono precoz del amamantamiento; Breastfeeding; Breastfeeding rates; Early weaning; Factores de riesgo; Lactancia materna; Risk factors; Tasas de lactancia materna